Advent begins the fourth Sunday before Christmas; Hope, Peace and Joy, and the following week will be the candle of Love. For today let’s focus on what brings us Joy! Scripture says to find joy in all circumstances.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)
Quite frankly finding joy in all circumstances is difficult at times. A friend of mine was in a car accident a few days ago and is still in the hospital. She suffered a mild heart attack from the stress of being rear ended. I can’t help thinking where does she find joy. I certainly don’t find joy in knowing my friend is in the hospital suffering.
Friends, we do not find joy in the events surrounding our circumstances, we find joy in Jesus. Like my friends do! They are good Christian people who find their joy in thanksgiving, despite their circumstances. The Apostle Paul suffered imprisonment, beaten, shipwrecked and yet still found joy in sharing the “Good News of Jesus”
https://thomasbrattonauthor.com/joy-to-all-this-merry-season/
Therefore, keep on hoping with great anticipation for the peace and joy that only comes from God. I know many of us struggle with being joyful when we are grieving, suffering from an illness, maybe life threw you lemons, your children may have disappointed you. Whatever it is, life keeps going. We can accept the struggles we face with hope for a better tomorrow, the peace of finding acceptance and the joy of today and the love of God with us. For there is a time for everything under the sun.
For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under the sun. Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NLT)
I too have suffered loss, grieved, struggled with finances, dreams which didn’t work out as planned. Yet I keep on praying, giving thanks to the Lord, and keep hope alive. And even through these disappointments, I still find peace knowing God will work everything to the good. It is through God that spoke to me to write the devotionals in “Tidings of Comfort and Joy” 30 days of heartfelt devotionals, the Christmas story with scripture from Matthew and Luke and promptings for you to capture the memories that bring you the most Joy this Christmas season.
My hope for you is to embrace joy and find peace in the devotionals of “Tidings of Comfort and Joy”
Thank you for your support and encouragement. I have found my inspiration through God and all of you. If you have read this far, please Pray with me.
Father in Heaven, thank you for the joy we have despite our circumstances. We pray your peace will surround us today and throughout this Christmas season. May you be a blessing to those who help those less fortunate than we are, heal the sick, bring your joy and your peace to all today and always and forever, let your unconditional love continue to be a comfort to us all. Lord, hear our prayers, fill our hearts with joyful amazement and awe for you, in Jesus name, Amen…
